BY BABATUNDE OLAMIDE SULAIMON
Taraba State government’s Greening Initiative, championed by the State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has received the nod of the Nigerian Army.
This was demonstrated during the flag-off of the tree-planting exercise that took place in Jalingo, the state capital on Saturday.
The State Commissioner of Environment and Climate Change, Hajiya Aisha Barde, led the state government initiative and she was supported by the Nigerian Army, represented by the Commander 6 Brigade Headquarters, Brig Gen Kc Uwa, the objective of the initiative is to promote environmental sustainability and combat Climate Change within Taraba State and the North East region of the country.
In his speech, the Army Commander, who hosted the event in the Army Command, reiterates the need for collaboration and commitment of both the military and civilians in planting trees to mitigate environmental degradation.
He further stressed the need for strong partnerships to achieve the desired results in sustaining our environment.
The Chairman House Committee on Environment, Dr Tafarki Agbadu represented the state governor, His Excellency, Dr Agbu Kefas at the occasion. Other dignitaries in attendance include the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, traditional rulers and military personnel.
In her speech, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Hajiya Aisha Barde, highlighted the government’s commitment to an enhanced ecological balance, conserved biodiversity and restoring degraded lands as part of broader climate action towards mitigation measures.
Hajiya Barde commended Brig Gen Uwa and his team for unflinching support towards the success of the programme.
According to her, Nigeria through the Designated National Authority is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% unconditionally and 47% conditionally with international support between now and year 2030 through its Nationally Determined Contributions, under the Paris Agreement.
Dignitaries at the event, which include the State ALGON Chairman, Alhaji Aminu, who is also the Chairman of Zing Local Government, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Aminu Kotolo, Chief of Army Staff, Nigerian Army, Senior officers of the Nigerian Army, the Chairperson Naowa, Taraba chapter, Acting Project Coordinator Taraba ACReSAL and local community members, were enjoined to actively engage in tree-planting and ensure nurturing them to survival.
She added that the initiative is not only aimed at improving the environment but also to provide economic benefits to the community through sustainable practices.
She maintained that “tree planting exercise is part of the state’s effort to increase land area covered by trees to curtail climate change impacts and to contribute to the global efforts in mitigating the effects of climate change”.
The commissioner further stated that the deliberate collaboration of the Ministry of the Environment and the military is to emphasize the need to form a united front in the fight against climate insecurity as a best practice both locally and internationally.
The permanent secretary of the Ministry of the Environment, in his speech states that, the tree planting exercise reflects a proactive measure geared towards fostering a greener future.
“The inclusion of military personnel showed a shared commitment to addressing the menace of environmental and climate change issues” he concluded.
